"My company [Edible Images] has the ability to turn any photograph into an edible piece of art," says D'Angelo. "I appreciate all five senses. When you're working with food, you imbue the art with a new energy. Why not eat erotic art? Nothing lasts forever."
Silver feels the Erotic Art Show is an important community service that offers a venue for this seldom-seen form of art. He makes his selection of the artists shown at the event with care.
Eroticism should have a loving quality, " Silver says. "I don't include anything dealing with violence or children. I believe in consensual acts, I go to a lot of art events throughout the year looking for artists, the number of submissions I get every year is incredible.
"The hardest part is telling an artist no," he continues. "I had a 16 year-old girl submit a simple line drawing of a nude, it just wasn't erotic. I don't think she's ever actually seen anyone naked."
One of the most mysterious works in the show is a large painting by Joe Jaqua of Santa Rosa. The painting titled Mrs. Maxwell Stays for Lunch, features three figures in what appears to be a stately Italian salon. A woman in lingerie is mounting a submissive man while another, fully clothed lady looks on.
"I leave the story line of the painting up to the viewer," Jaqua says. "The image does beg for the imagination to explain what's going on, but that's not the Job of the artist. I'm merely trying to convey a feeling of sexuality and fun."
Anyone who stands before these works will be tested. How far is too far? Your own attitudes and values will largely determine what you see. One thing's for sure: this show is a hot ride in the back seat of erotic pleasure that makes no apologies for human lust.
Jaqua seems to typify the attitude of many of the artists in the show.
"If you're offended by this kind of work," he says, "don't stand in front of it too long."
The Soundscape Erotic Art Exhibit and Sale opens Monday, August 21. An artists' reception will be held on Saturday, Aug, 26, from 5 to 9 pm. Prizes will be awarded for the most outrageous costumes. Parental guidance is recommended. Regular visiting hours are weekdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays noon to 5 p.m. The show continues through Oct. 31 at Soundscape, 314 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. For more information, call Marc Silver at 707-578-4434
